OMC among 12 mining cos served notice for violation of green laws

The Jajpur district collector has served notices to state-owned Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) including 12 mining companies for alleged violation of environmental laws and illegal mining in the district , official sources said on Wednesday.

The companies have been asked to reply within two months as to why the prosecution should not be initiated against them for the violations.

“The district administration has issued show cause notices to 12 mining lessees, including four state owned OMC operators, for indulging in illegal mining,” said Jajpur district Collector Anil Kumar Samal.

“It is found that they have been mining illegally for the last so many years without the mandatory environment clearance. This apart, they have mined more than they are permitted under the laws,” Samal said.

Violation of green laws has been detected in four mines (three in Sukinda chromites valley and one in Daitary) of OMC, considered the highest revenue generating PSU for the state, the collector said.

The other companies found operating without mandatory environmental clearance include Balasore Alloys, Ferro Alloys Corporation limited (FACOR), Misrilal Mines Private Limited, BC Mohanty and Sons, Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO), Jindal Chromites Mines Limited and Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys (IMFA), official sources said. All these companies were mining in the Sukinda Chromites Valley in the district.